Two kids eating strawberries

Take Control Of Your Child’s Oral Health In 2021!

Take Control Of Your Child’s Oral Health In 2021!

It’s a new year, and we’re challenging Calgary parents to make 2021 cavity-free for their families! Generally, no one likes dealing with cavities. The problem is detrimental to general health and is also painful to restore.

Failure to teach your kids about the importance of daily dental hygiene, could result in distressing dental procedures in the future. Parents need to have an understanding of the best approaches to protect their children from dental cavities. At Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry, we leave nothing to chance when it comes to the oral health of your children!

Adhere To The Recommended Oral Hygiene Routine

It takes around six months for the teeth to break through the gum of an infant. However, it is advisable to begin good oral care even before you can see the first tooth. We recommend using a clean and soft washcloth to wipe the gums after feeding.

By the age of three, your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. As a parent, you should ensure that your child is using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When their teeth start to touch, make sure to help them with flossing. On top of this, ensure to book your child’s biannual pediatric dentist appointments.

Consider Dentist-Approved Snacks

Cavities are a result of bacteria (plaque) build-up in the mouth. Children are more vulnerable since they can have a harder time brushing their teeth properly. Kids who consume too much sugar in foods or drinks have a high chance of developing cavities.

As a parent, you have the responsibility to limit the sugary foods your child consumes. Consider dentist-recommended snacks such as nuts, plain yogurt, fibrous fruits, and cottage cheese. If they do indulge in a sweet treat, just make sure they brush their teeth soon afterwards.

Make Sure There Are No Cavities In 2021!

Our team at Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry is committed to helping Calgary kids maintain happy smiles in 2021. Contact us today to book your child’s dental appointment and help them maintain good oral health in 2021! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips and tricks! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year!

 

Child having a flu

How To Take Care of Your Child’s Oral Health During Cold And Flu Season

Cold and flu season is upon us, and as we are nearing its peak months, it’s more important than ever to take care of your little one’s oral health. With all the coughing and sneezing, dental hygiene may be the last thing parents have energy for. However, this is not the time to let up on your child’s oral hygiene routine.

Here are four simple ways to maintain your child’s good oral health this cold and flu season.

1. Continue Their Oral Hygiene Routine As Normal

Even when your child comes down with the flu or cold, ensure that they still brush and floss as per their normal routine. This will help to prevent cavities and other dental problems. They’ll also feel better and rejuvenated by getting rid of oral bacteria.

2. Ensure They Stay Hydrated

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids as it will help prevent dry mouth. You’ll want to avoid dry mouth at all costs, as it can increase the risk of tooth decay and cause oral discomfort. Drinking water will help with saliva production and make sure your child’s mouth is staying moist.

3. Watch Their Sugar Intake

Comforting your little one with sweets and desserts will only hurt their oral health. Let them drink water instead of sugary beverages and provide them with sugar-free cough drops. Tablet-form cough medicine is encouraged over sugar-packed cough syrups.

4. Swish and Spit Instead of Brushing

When your child vomits, it might be your first instinct to have them brush their teeth, but we advise against it. This is because when vomiting, stomach acids come in contact with the teeth and cover them. Brushing immediately will rub these acids over the teeth and gum tissues. Instead, have them swish and spit with water or a diluted mouth rinse and then wait for about 20-30 minutes before brushing their teeth.

Check In With Your Calgary Children’s Dentist

While the above tips will help you care for your child’s oral health, they do not replace an appointment with Dr. Sam and our pediatric dental professionals. Schedule your child’s dental appointment with us today and ensure they maintain good oral health all year round.

At Happy Trails Children Dentistry, we care about our patient’s health and safety and their families. We have strict COVID-19 precautions, safety, and control measures at our office such as social distancing and traffic control, frequent disinfection of high-traffic areas and surfaces, a sanitizing booth, and require all parents and patients (above 2 years) to wear a mask within our facility. With these measures in place, you can feel comfortable and confident bringing your child in to check up on their oral health.

Contact us today to experience a safe and satisfying visit with our children’s dentist in Calgary. Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more tips and tricks on oral health!

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